Where do I start?

[kme2283]

Hi, I'm Kate, 24 and 307 lbs. I just don't know where to start when it comes to doing the Atkins diet. It was very sucessful for my mother years ago. She lost 50 lbs on it, but she was never as big as I am. I don't have any health issues with my weight yet, but I am very concerned for my heart. I tried Atkins when I was 17, but couldn't made it one day, I went through carb withdrawl. Can anyone please give me advice on how to begin in order to lessen the symptoms of carb withdrawl? Also, I drink at least 2 diet cokes a day, how can I cut these out easily? I'd also like to know what supplements I should take.

[missnikki217]

Hi Kate! Welcome!

Unfortunately, there's no way to really lessen the symptoms of Carb withdrawal. The best part is though, after about 3 days of feeling yucky, you will all of a sudden be bursting with energy! I think its a great trade in the long run! What I find always helps when I start over is drinking A LOT of water, I think this helps me a little bit. Also I make sure to take my supplements. I take a general multi - vitamin that has no iron, as DANDR suggests. I think its called One Source, and I get it at wal mart.

As for the diet coke, if you could ween yourself off easily, say take it down to one a day for a couple of days, and then eliminate it completely. Or switch to diet coke made with splenda as youre weening. Getting off the diet coke will in the long run benefit you - it will increase your weight loss, break your addiction to caffeine as you break your addictions to sugar. And then having one once in a while will be nice, and you might even find it to be too sweet!!!

Good luck and hope you get down with it!! the best part is, you can always come here and talk/ask questions and there's always someone to help.

[billbazz]

Warm Welcome!! and a great question!
when in doubt use the DANDR 2002 book! DR A suggests
L-Glutamine to knock out carb and sweet cravings--I get mine at the Vitamin shoppe--4 weeks sugar free now...
he suggests a multi-vitamin--and Omega fat oils(fish or flax)--and a Fiber suppliment also--
you will find induction recipes here to plan your 2 week meals!
I started the week before induction--- to give away all bad foods--stock my 2 week induction food--and started a sloooooooooow--steady excercise program.

Best of luck

[liv]

Those are good ideas. I think you also need the right mindset and motivation. If you think this is going to be soo hard you have already psyched yourself out. You have to tell yourself you are master of your own faith here and look forward towards thin. Look at the progress pictures in our before and after section so you can see what the diet can do for you and keep that your main focus.
The good news is that once you are in ketosis, appetite will decrease and it will be a breeze.

[joee5]

You need to get the book and read and research it yourself. God Bless,Joe

[Nick9973]

Hi Kate! Congrats on taking charge and making a change! Although your first two weeks won't be easy, there are a number of things you can do to make it easier. First, you should read... and reread... and reread again your copy of Dr. Atkin's New Diet Revolution. Make sure to read the 2002 copy. Once you feel confident enough to test your knowledge and learn even more, you ought to take the lessons and quizzes on the Atkins website: Atkins 24/7 Live Discussion Groups - An error has occurred.. It's a great tool.

As for the carb withdrawl, there is no easy way around it. For headaches, take Tylenol of course. However, for the general ugliness of it all, the best thing I can suggest is to make a whole week's worth of food (including snacks) BEFORE you start. Also, if you're serious about this, throw away or give away all of you carb-ridden food. One thing I can promise... the carb withdrawl doesn't last for the full two weeks, and often lasts for only a few days. Make sure to schedule in some time to go for a nice long walk after dinner! It will clear your head and give you perspective.

If you're anything like me, you are easily addicted to sweets. Word of advice... stay away from the sugar-free candies and even the Atkins shakes and drinks. They really aren't your friends; they'll only prolong your sweet tooth cravings. I can say the same for diet cokes, but if you REALLY need your diet cokes, at least drink Diet Rite. It is made with Splenda, which Dr. Atkins suggests more than the aspartame used to make any other brand.

And don't forget to visit this site often! If you have any questions, let me know!

[liv]

Hi Kate,
How is going? Hanging in there?

[eclectikat]

hi kate... Kat here... man I feel your uncertianty...just let me say... I know where you are at...
I started at 299lbs... so close to where you were... Induction was not too tough for me...I did get headaches though and tylenol was my friend. I basically powered through because of what I read here on the boards.

LIKE so many have said... you need to read and read and read... you need to be prepared for this way of life... if you are not prepared the cravings will seduce you to take the easy route. I remember going into the grocery store only because I was taking my sister shopping. when we left the store, I realized i had completely zoned out and came out with two bags of ALL HIGH CARB foods I had been accustomed to eating. I handed them right to my sister, dropped her off at home and have never set foot in that particular store since... it was all habitual...
if/when you start induction, plan to start it on a day and preceeding a few days of down time... so you are better able to cope with whatever comes you way.
If you change your perspective on your basic ability to follow this plan, and start believing in yourself (using all of us as inspiration) your path will be less rocky. Put your head down and with determination power though the tough part... I GUARANTEEEEEEE that it will be worth it.
YOU can be below 300lbs by mid August... doesn't that sound appealing????
We are all living proof that you can get through it... and that more importantly it will be filled with joy and excitement as your body transforms itself
AND READ THE BOOK!!!!!!
keep us posted
kathy